3 John 1:11

Dear friend, take what is good for your example, not what is bad. The man who does what is good is from God; the man who does what is bad has never seen God.

Twentieth Century New Testament

In The King James Version

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

In Context

10Therefore, when I come, I shall not forget his conduct in ridiculing us with his wicked tongue. Not content with that, he not only declines to recognise our Brothers himself, but actually prevents those who would, and expels them from the Church.

12Every one has always had a good word for Demetrius, and the Truth itself speaks for him. Yes, and we also add our good word, and you know that what we say about him is true.

Read all of 3 John 1

Cross References

John 3:20For he who lives an evil life hates the light, and will not come to it, for fear that his actions should be exposed;

John 12:26If a man is ready to serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there my servant shall be also. If a man is ready to serve me, my Father will honour him.

1 Corinthians 11:1Imitate me, as I myself imitate Christ.

Philippians 3:17Brothers, unite in following my example, and fix your eyes on those who are living by the pattern which we have set you.

Matthew Henry on 3 John 1:10-12

The Character of Diotrephes. ( a. d. 90.) 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 3 John 1:11